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The "rules of etiquette" for attending a formal orchestra or band concert have been in place for hundreds of years, and they exist to help make a performance as enjoyable as possible for both the audience and the performers. Keep these rules in mind to make your concert experience relaxing and satisfying.

== Welcome the Conductor ==

When the musicians start taking their seats on stage, sometimes people will applaud, but it is not expected. The traditional time for the first applause is after the musicians are seated, when the conductor walks out. Whether or not you've seen his/her previous performances, clap anyway. It's tradition.

== Be Courteous ==

Probably the most paramount rule to remember is: Please remain quiet during a piece. This is done to allow your fellow concertgoers to enjoy the performance and to allow the musicians to concentrate, without extraneous conversations, candy wrappers, watch alarms, or cell phone rings. Using a pre-concert announcement or a printed message in the program, most professional and community groups will ask audience members to finish any personal business before the show starts, and be prepared to leave quickly and quietly if something unavoidable comes up.

During one particular National Symphony Orchestra concert, Maestro Leonard Slatkin had turned to the orchestra and raised his arms to begin the next piece, but then halted as the entire hall suddenly filled with the chirping of a cell phone. Slatkin patiently put his hands down, turned around, honed in on the perpetrator, and with the entire audience watching, calmly said something akin to "Go ahead and answer - we'll wait." About ten seconds later, he was able to start the piece.

Musicians understand that emergencies do arise, but it's only fair that audience members do their part to minimize disruptions. This is why cell phones can be set to vibrate or be turned off.

== Applaud Appropriately ==

Applause is the most wonderful non-musical sound a performer can hear. It sends the message that the audience appreciates the performance, and it spurs them on to give their best for these adoring fans. There are a few different ways to show that you enjoyed the music; yet, there are also specific times when clapping or other sounds of approval are frowned upon.

Clapping in the middle of a piece, even after a particularly impressive solo, is a no-no unless you are in a relaxed atmosphere, such as when watching a Dixieland combo or a Swing band. It sounds stuffy, but that's the golden

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